SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1925, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION .AIR Uli L'CE’S VIEWS. MELBOURNE, March 7. Air Bruce, referring to Singapore base, stated too many people in Britain are apt to regard the Empire as limited by the British Isles. They forget that- for many years the Dominions have been making a new and greatei Britain overseas, destined in time • outstrip the Mother Country in population and wealth. This question of Singapore is not- strictly a question of local British politics. The question of Singapore base was raised at the last Imperial Conference. A were asked, by the British Government if we were prepared to subscribe l the cost of construction, and Australia with other Dominions acquiesced. A\ 1 were consulted-at every angle and wi. arc at least entitled to be heard on Hu- question now. and to submit opin ions which should not be lightly ignored. To Australia, New Zealand and al the Empire in the East, the base vital. Unless we command the sea Clare assured of reasonable safety foi our commerce and communication witl, the rest of the Empire, it would be impossible. The plea that the base wi. alfrout Japan, has already been answered by responsible Japanese statesmen. It is not strengthened by protestations of members of the British lailiament, AVe welcomed and faithlully abided by every decision to reduce armaments. We* have given practical proof of our desire to the arbitraincut of forte replaced by that of reason. but situated as we are, we cannot ignore the iact that the X>i itis Navy is not only the sole guarantee we Rad of safety, but is the most patent force in existence ter the promotion i f universal justice and poaefe. It, is rendered efficient and its niobilitv assured by the provision of a adequate base in the. Pacific. Ihe existence and prestige of the Empire will be imperilled and the peace ot the Wo: Id endangered, and the authority of the I-eague of Nations undermined. 1 mist sane broadminded counsels will prevail that the British people will not - he led into a position fatal alike to 1 our material welfare and ideals.

REASON FOR BASE. LONDON, . .March 7. The Australian Press Association if authoritatively informed that the Admiralty have already decided 011 the prompt installation of a floating dock at Singapore, capable of accommodating the largest battleship likely to be ensured in thf* Ihieilh*. The dock is to be’towed out in three c, c pious, the first of which has new reached Malta-. The others arc shortly following. . This provision does not imply any modification of the original plans, which are going on uninterruptedly. A graving dock will Ire built later, if required. A section of the press which hiuuito *wholly favou ed the Singapore Base is at present showing a disposition to contend that a floating dork at Singapore should suffice. Another interesting decision of the Government is that the Singapore Garrison will consist exclusively o white troops. The Singapore base opponents’ contention that the base will cost twenty million pounds i.s considered to lie most extravagant.